AUBURN – Joseph “Butsey” Gallant, 77, formerly of Somerset Street, Rumford, died Monday, Feb. 23, at the Androscoggin Hospice House.

He was born in Rumford on July 19, 1931, a son of George and Ida (Arsenault) Gallant. Butsey was educated in Rumford schools and served two years in the U.S. Navy.

He was retired from Boise Cascade Paper Mill. He was a communicant of St. Athanasius-St. John Catholic Church and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

He was an avid sports fan and in his youth, held the Maine state welterweight boxing championship title. He also loved to play cribbage.

Surviving are his daughter, Lea Walker of Mexico; two sons, Bruce Walker and wife, Kris, of Lebanon and Lee Walker and wife, Judy, of Rumford; three sisters, Rita Perry and Doris Gallant of Rumford and Ida Luther and husband, Charles, of Roxbury; a brother, John Gallant of Ellenton, Fla.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a longtime companion, Mary Walker, brothers, Alfred, George, Edward, Clarence and Ernest Gallant; and a great-granddaughter, Lisa Walker.

The family would like to thank the staff at Victorian Villa and the Hospice House for the wonderful care given to Joe.